Washington Administrative Code Title 247 - Health Care Facilities Authority
Here’s a comprehensive summary of Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 247 – Health Care Facilities Authority, last updated May 1, 2024 (app.leg.wa.gov):
🏛️ Overview of Title 247
Title 247 establishes and governs the Washington Health Care Facilities Authority (WHCFA), a state-level public entity that provides financial assistance—primarily bond financing—to eligible health care facilities across Washington State.
📑 Chapters in Title 247
Chapter 247‑02 – Organization, operations and procedures
Chapter 247‑04 – Determination of facilities as health care facilities
Chapter 247‑06 – Providing financial assistance to nursing homes
Chapter 247‑12 – Public records
Chapter 247‑16 – Procedures and fees for application processing (lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov, app.leg.wa.gov)
1. Chapter 247‑02 — Organization, Operations & Procedures
Purpose: Ensures compliance with public disclosure laws and procedural rules under RCW 42.17 and 34.04 .
Definitions & Interpretation: Clarifies use of terms like "shall/should/may", and singular/plural pronoun conventions .
Authority Structure: Comprised of Governor, Lt. Governor, Insurance Commissioner, Hospital Commission Chair, and a public member—governed by bylaws and procedural rules (lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov).
Meetings & Decision-making: Held as “special meetings” under RCW 42.30, with a quorum of three; follows Robert's Rules; formal actions via motion or resolution (especially for bond issuance) (lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov).
Public Participation: Agenda provisions allow public comment; details formal process for speakers (law.cornell.edu).
2. Chapter 247‑04 — What Qualifies as a Health Care Facility
Purpose: Defines eligibility—only facilities meeting the “health care facility” criteria under RCW 70.37.020 qualify for bond financing (law.cornell.edu).
Eligible Facility Types (non‑exhaustive list):
Hospitals, hospices, psychiatric and rural health facilities
Nursing homes, ambulatory clinics, substance abuse centers
Various specialty clinics: dental, orthopedic, fertility, cancer, optometry, etc. (app.leg.wa.gov).
3. Chapter 247‑06 — Financial Assistance to Nursing Homes
Although listing doesn’t detail specifics, this chapter outlines bond-financing rules tailored to nursing home projects, a key focus area noted in the title digest .
4. Chapter 247‑12 — Public Records Compliance
Purpose: Ensures the Authority adheres to Washington’s Public Records Act (RCW 42.17) (lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov).
Records Officer & Office Hours: Office open Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m.; requests formally processed via designated forms (lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov).
Copying Fees & Denials: Standard fee: $0.25/page; denials or redactions must cite legal exemptions and include appeals procedures (lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov).
5. Chapter 247‑16 — Application Procedures & Fees
Scope: Defines the application process for WHCFA assistance, including forms, deadlines, and associated fees (lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov).
Criteria & Prioritization: Applications are reviewed based on completeness, economic feasibility, readiness, and funds availability; processed in received-date order .
Underwriter Selection: Applicants may suggest investment banking firms, subject to Authority approval (lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov).
✅ Why Title 247 Matters
Title 247 ensures that Washington’s public financing for health care infrastructure is structured, transparent, and legally compliant. It details:
Who oversees the Authority and how decisions are made
What constitutes an eligible health care facility
How public records and applications are handled
Processes for approving bond-financed projects—especially nursing homes
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